Five years of steroid sparing in renal transplantation with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil

Transplantation. 2006 Jan 15;81(1):125-8. doi: 10.1097/01.tp.0000189716.50701.2d.

Abstract

Steroid sparing with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is associated with good short-term renal transplant outcomes. However, late allograft dysfunction and failure remain concerns. In this study, 101 consecutive patients underwent renal transplantation with tacrolimus, MMF, and 7 days of corticosteroids only. After a median follow-up of 51 months (range 36-62), overall patient survival is 97%, and overall survival with graft function is 91%. The acute rejection rate at 12 months was 19%. Late rejection was uncommon, with only three further episodes beyond 12 months. Graft function was stable during the study, with a mean creatinine of 140 micromol/L and mean estimated creatinine clearance of 57 ml/min at the end of follow-up. Six patients developed posttransplant diabetes mellitus (three cases beyond 12 months). This steroid avoidance regimen is associated with excellent medium-term patient and graft outcomes, and a low incidence of side effects.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / pathology
  • Creatine / blood
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Graft Survival
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology*
  • Kidney Function Tests
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Mycophenolic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Mycophenolic Acid / pharmacology
  • Risk Factors
  • Steroids / pharmacology*
  • Survival Rate
  • Tacrolimus / pharmacology*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Steroids
  • Mycophenolic Acid
  • Creatine
  • Tacrolimus